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Abernethy’s Departure From US FDA Gives Next Commissioner Options For A New Number Two

 
• By Kate Rawson

Janet Woodcock has been in the lead in the commissioner race for months without an announcement, but now serious doubts are being cast on her candidacy, including the tone of remarks at a White House press briefing.

THE QUESTION OF WHO WILL BE THE US FDA’S NUMBER TWO IS STARTING TO LOOM ALMOST AS LARGE AS WHO WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER.

The imminent departure of US Food & Drug Administration Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy is clearly a loss of leadership for an agency already living through an uncertain transition period, but does leave open the ability for the next commissioner (whether it is Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcook or another nominee) to choose a number two that reflects that individual’s priorities.

Woodcock announced Abernethy’s intention to leave FDA in a 23 March email to staff. In an interview...

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